New UK drivers will be tested on ‘sat nav’ skills

Share

Facebook

Tweet

Pinterest

Email

Trying to keep up with the times, the U.K.’s Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency is adding a satellite navigation portion to its new driver test. Joining this major change are minor tasks like parking in a public parking space, backing out of the space and rejoining traffic after pulling over. These new maneuvers will replace the still important but less common three-point turn and backing around a corner.

Adding navigation to the test is an attempt to keep the test current with the problems facing new drivers, as well as training new drivers to deal with distractions. According to the BBC, new drivers will have to respond to commands while driving, such as "turn on the rear defroster" while driving instead of pointing at the buttons before taking off.

According to The Quartz, U.K. transport minister Andrew Jones says including GPS in the test will help with “ensuring the driving test is relevant in the 21st century.” The satellite-guided exam will also double in time, going from 10 minutes to 20. The longer time behind the wheel will make assessing new drivers more effective.

These changes will be made active in the U.K. on Dec. 4, but don’t expect anything like it in the U.S.